Unbeaten Canada romp to Under-15 title

Canada were crowned Under-15 Americas Champions in Bermuda after predictably taking care of a final-day victory against the Cayman Islands at the Police Field. By crushing the luckless Cayman Islands in ruthless fashion, Canada ended the week unbeaten and deserved winners of the tournament.

The Cayman Islands decision to bat first did not work out as planned as they were bundled out for a paltry 33 in just 15.3 overs, then Canada only needed 2.3 overs to knock off the runs and celebrate their championship.

Canada's Axay Patel returned extraordinary figures of 6-4-4-6, and his six-wicket haul deservedly earned him the Player-of-the-Match award. Not far behind was skipper Nitish Kumar, who continued his fine bowling form and took his total wicket haul to 16 by taking 4 for 8 in 4.3 overs. In what thus became a straight shoot-out for second place at the National Sports Centre, USA comfortably beat a disappointing Bermuda to relegate the hosts to third place. After being out in to bat, USA captain Abhijit Joshi once again showed his class with his third half-century of the event, making 68 off 104 balls.

In fact his involvement with two big partnerships virtually took the game away from Bermuda at the outset. Fellow opener Vikram Valluri made a brilliant 51 off 57 balls, with six fours and a six, as together Joshi and Valluri got the innings to the ideal start with a 97-run partnership. More was to come in the shape of Player of the Match Steven Taylor, who made a sparkling 65 off only 61 balls, with 9 fours and a six, and contributed to an entertaining second-wicket partnership of 113. USA eventually finished on a daunting 236 for 7 in their 40 overs, while for Bermuda only Tre Govia had relative success with the ball in taking 3 for 39 in 7 overs. Edward DeSilva weighed in with 2 for 28 in 5 overs.

In reply, Bermuda never gained any momentum, and apart from a stylish 39 from Greg Maybury, an innings compiled off 53 balls with five fours, no other Bermuda batsman could gain any real advantage over the USA bowling attack, with the spinners once again to the fore. Andrew Ajodhi took 3 for 34 in 8 overs, while Krishneal Goel took 2 for 8 in 4 overs, and Waqas Shah 2 for 25 in 5 overs, as Bermuda succumbed for 126 all out in 33.1 overs and defeat by 110 runs.

The Bermuda Development XI clinched a credible fourth place with a resounding win over the Bahamas at Bailey's Bay. Choosing to bowl first, the Development XI routed the Bahamas for 66 in 27.5 overs, and were it not for a resolute 20 not out (45 balls, 2 fours) from No. 3 Turan Brown, as well as 26 wides, it could have been much worse.

Best of the Bermuda bowlers was Tre Manders, with 3 for 16 in 7 overs, with all other six bowlers used taking a wicket apiece. The Development XI needed only 7.4 overs to reach their target, with Player of the Match Lateef Trott making an explosive undefeated 41 off only 29 balls.

1. Canada
2. United States
3. Bermuda
4. Bermuda Development XI
5. Cayman Islands
6. Bahamas